Community Newspaper Special Sections Bergen County Fall Dining Guide | Page 20
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2016 FALL DINING GUIDE
Healthy eating tips for
kids when dining out
More and more restaurants are adding
healthy kid-friendly options to their menus.
W
hether they’re traveling, celebrating
a special occasion or simply spending quality time together, families
across the country enjoy going to
restaurants and dining out together.
As consumers become more sophisticated in
their tastes and diets, restaurateurs are re-engineering their menus to accommodate those
needs. Today, more than ever before, restaurants
are offering an array of healthful, delicious and
great-tasting options that appeal to taste buds of
all ages.
“Many restaurants are updating their menus so
children have more nutritious choices when they
dine out,” says Annika Stensson, the National
Restaurant Association’s director of research
communications. “More kids’ menus feature
fresh ingredients that are cooked creatively and
make eating out not only healthful, but fun.”
National Restaurant Association data confirms
that chefs and consumers are on the same page
when it comes to offering better nutrition for
kids at restaurants. Healthful children’s meals
have become a top culinary trend.
Even though there are more nutritious choices
available for children, it can sometimes be
confusing for parents to figure out the better
options from the more indulgent ones. Healthy
Dining founder Anita Jones-Mueller, MPH, has
provided five simple tips to help parents find
more healthful kids’ meals:
1. SEEK OUT HIGH-QUALITY INGREDIENTS: Look for
options that are made with unprocessed
ingredients and have a flavor profile kids will love.
There are lots of foods prepared in various ways
that parents and children can choose from. Give
salmon kabobs or grilled chicken strips a try.
2. OPT FOR MORE FRESH VEGGIES AND FRUIT: When
a meal includes fresh produce, kids not only get
more nutrients, but also enjoy a rainbow of
tantalizing colors. Look for kids’ meals that
include salads, dippable sliced fruit or steamed
vegetables. Fresh ingredients provide different
textures that will keep young diners interested
in their food.
3. GO FOR CREATIVITY: Kids have sophisticated
palates so give them the opportunity to try new
things. The fact is they like to have fun when eating out. Look for menus featuring creative kids’
meals. From bento boxes and kid-frie ndly sushi
to turkey sliders and creative noodle bowls, chefs
are thinking beyond the traditional to create fun
and memorable items.
4. LOOK FOR LEAN PROTEINS, WHOLE GRAINS: To
ensure that kids feel full and satisfied after eating
their meals, choose options made with lean proteins and whole grains. They are two important
components of a well-rounded diet. Proteins and
whole grains also help you feel fuller longer.
5. USE A TRUSTED RESOURCE: The National
Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell program
showcases restaurants that meet strict nutritional
criteria for children’s foods. Find Kids LiveWell
restaurants at healthydiningfinder.com or download the mobile app for quick reference on the go.
Restaurant operators are increasingly
committed to providing healthful meals for kids,
and these tips can help parents select tasty,
wholesome foods for their families. ◆
(Brandpoint)
BRANDPOINT
Parents can look for things like
fresh fruits and veggies,
high-quality ingredients, lean
proteins and whole grains to
ensure their children are eating
as healthy as possible when
dining out.